[Terry Burtz, Calif]

Production run #2 Shipping Status

I spoke with John Lampl today, and he informed me that there is another delay with the first of several containers for production run #2 that is beyond our control. John's words are pasted below.

The immediate production for ocean freight delivery had been postponed from the 5th of Sep (originally) to the 15th and then the 21st.. We were just advised the recent Typhoon "Chanthu" that hit eastern China (shanghai), has caused sailing cancellations including our booking. We have word the next vessel will schedule for around the 5th of October. This will have goods arriving port in the USA the 1st week of Nov. There is nothing we can do but keep trying. The port situation is quite backed up.. We will try to keep everyone updated. Once the container is onboard, things will be more predictable...


New Optional Parts

To enhance the "New Engine Kit", we are offering 3 additional parts that have improvements over stock or aftermarket parts that are currently available. These 3 parts have the stock Model A interfaces and can be used with either a stock Model A engine or with the "New Engine Kit".

Flywheel
We offer a 30-pound flywheel that is drilled for the V-8 pressure plate. The flywheels are in stock at the Hawthorne, CA warehouse and can be sent UPS flat rate for a savings in shipping.

Cylinder Head
We are finalizing the design of a 6.5 to 1 cylinder head. Like the new cylinder block, the exterior of an original production cylinder head was laser scanned to copy every intricate detail and the water flow circuit has been designed for increased flow at exhaust ports #3 and #4. The combustion chamber resembles the combustion chamber in the A-6050-B Police head. This new head will be flat, have the correct appearance, correct length, correct width, and the stud holes will be centered in the bosses. In addition, all 4 water pump attachment holes will be blind so that sealant is not needed. We do not expect to award a production contract until early next year.

Camshaft
We have awarded a manufacturing contract for a new 5 bearing camshaft. It is a "touring" grind with 0.340 inches of lift like a Model B or Stipe camshaft. If you wish to regrind it for more performance or for an OHV, the lobe tips are hardened to a depth of 2 to 3 mm and the remainder of the lobe is hardened to a depth of 1.5 to 2 mm. The new camshaft has passages for additional lubrication. If the new camshaft is used in the "New Engine Kit" there will be 17 pressure fed bearings instead of 16. These camshafts should be ready to ship near the end of November 2021.


Professional Builders vs Home Builders

Professional builders that understand modern engines and follow the "Builders Guide" have thousands of miles on their new engines without problems. Dennis Kliesen has close to 10,000 miles on his engine followed by Bob Beers who finished in the upper 3rd in the Great Race, and Dave Gerold (Durable Performance) who has pulled a trailer while touring.

A few home builders that aren't familiar with modern engines and don't understand or follow the "Builders Guide" are having a variety of problems because they don't understand bearing crush, mistakenly think that the line bore operation can produce oval holes that are not in alignment, wonder why their rear main seal leaks when one side is installed 1/4 inch further than the other side, wonder why runouts are excessive when they are measuring runout with a flimsy dial indicator setup, etc.


Pietenpol

I spoke with the author and proofread a magazine article that is being written regarding the use of the "New Engine Kit" in a Pietenpol airplane. I emphasized that we accept no liability and that there is no guarantee if the new engine is used in an airplane. The new engine is attractive because of the 9 crankshaft bearings that are 2-inch diameter, the 16 or 17 pressurized bearings, and the fact that with a minor alteration, the thrust bearing pulling the airplane forward can have continuous pressurized lubrication instead of crankcase mist found in a stock Model A engine.